Chapter 48: Lu Ya Offers a Strategy to Shoot Gongming

诗曰： 周家开国应天符，何怕区区定海珠。陆压有书能射影；公明无计庇头颅。 应知幻化多奇士，谁信凶残活独夫。闻仲扭天原为主，忠肝留向在龙图。

The poem says: The Zhou family founded their state in accordance with heavenly mandate, what fear could there be of a mere Dinghai pearl? Lu Ya had books that could shoot shadows; Gong Ming had no means to protect his head. One should know that there are many extraordinary people who can create illusions, and who would believe a cruel tyrant is truly alive? Wen Zhong twisted the heavens all for his lord; loyal heart remained inscribed in the Longtu.

话说公明祭起金蛟剪──此剪乃是两条蛟龙，采天地灵气，受日月精华，起在空中，挺折上下，祥云护体，头交头如剪，尾交尾如股，不怕你得道神仙，一闸两段。──那时起在空中，往下闸来。燃灯忙了梅花鹿，借木遁去了。──把梅花鹿一闸两段。公明怒气不息，暂回老营。不提。且说燃灯逃回芦篷，众仙接著，问金蛟剪的原故。燃灯摇头曰：“好利害！起在空中，如二龙绞结；落下来，利刃一般。我见势不好，预先借木遁走了。可惜把我的梅花鹿一闸两段！”众道人听说，俱各心寒，共议将何法可施。正议间，哪吒上篷来：“启老师：有一道者求见。”燃灯道：“请来。”哪吒下篷对道人曰：“老师有请。”这道人上得篷来，打稽首曰：“列位道兄请了！”燃灯与众道人俱认不得此人。燃灯笑容问曰：“道友是那座名山？何处洞府？”道人曰：“贫道闲游五岳，闷戏四海，吾乃野人也。吾有歌为证，歌曰： 贫道乃是昆仑客，石桥南畔有旧宅。修行得道混元初，才了长生知顺逆。休夸炉内紫金丹，须知火里焚玉液。跨青鸾，骑白鹤，不去蟠桃飱寿乐，不去玄都拜老君，不去玉虚门上诺。三山五岳任我游，海岛蓬莱随意乐。人人称我为仙癖，腹内盈虚自有情。陆压散人亲到此，西岐要伏赵公明。

It is said that Gong Ming raised the Golden Crocodile Shears──these shears were two crocodiles, gathered the vital energies of heaven and earth, absorbed the essence of sun and moon. When raised into the air, they stretched up and down, with auspicious clouds protecting their bodies. Head to head like scissors, tail to tail like legs, no matter how powerful a cultivated immortal you are, one stroke would cut you in two. ──At that time, they rose into the air and came down to slash. Ran Deng hurriedly summoned a pheasant deer and escaped through the wooden concealment technique. ──And slashed the pheasant deer into two pieces. Gong Ming's anger did not subside, and he temporarily returned to his old camp. No further mention was made. Let us speak of Ran Deng, who fled back to the Lu Peng, where the immortals received him and asked about the original cause of the Golden Crocodile Shears. Ran Deng shook his head and said, "How formidable!" When raised into the air, it was like two dragons entwined; when they fell down, they were as sharp as blades. I saw the situation was bad and had previously escaped using the wooden concealment technique in advance. "Unfortunately, my pheasant deer was slashed into two pieces!" Upon hearing this, the Daoist practitioners all felt chilled and discussed together what method could be employed. While they were still discussing, Nezha came onto the boat: "Respectfully addressing Master Teacher: a Daoist practitioner is requesting an audience." Ran Deng said, "Please bring him in." Nezha went off the boat and said to the Daoist practitioner: "Master Teacher is requesting your presence." The Daoist practitioner stepped onto the boat, bowed deeply and said, "Greetings to all my Daoist brothers!" Ran Deng and the other Daoist practitioners did not recognize this person. With a smile, Ran Deng asked, "Dao friend, which famous mountain are you from? Where is your cave dwelling?" The Daoist said, "I am a poor Daoist who has been idly traveling the Five Great Mountains and idling around the Four Seas. I am but a wild man. I have a song to prove it, the song says: "The poor Daoist is but a guest of Kunlun, with an old residence by the southern bank of the Stone Bridge. Cultivated and attained immortality at the beginning of Hunyuan, only then understanding longevity and knowing what is right or wrong. Do not boast about purple gold pills in the furnace; one must know that jade elixirs are burned within the fire. Riding a green 鸾, riding a white crane, I do not go to eat longevity peaches in the 蟠 tang, nor do I go to worship Laozi at Xuandu, nor do I make vows at the gate of Yuxu. The Three Mountains and Five Great Mountains are for me to travel freely; the isles of Penglai bring me joy at will. Everyone calls me a hermit obsessed with immortals, yet within my belly, there are emotions that ebb and flow on their own. Lu Ya the Recluse has personally come here; Xi Qi must submit to Zhao Gongming.

贫道乃西昆仑闲人，姓陆，名压，因为赵公明保假灭真，又借金蛟剪下山，有伤众位道兄。他只知道术无穷，岂晓得玄中更妙？故此贫道特来会他一会。管教他金蛟剪也用不成，他自然休矣。”当日道人默坐无言。

"I am a leisurely person from the western Kunlun, surnamed Lu and named Ya. I have come here because Zhao Gongming protects falsehoods while destroying truth, and has borrowed the Golden Crocodile Shears to descend the mountain, thereby harming many of your Daoist brothers." He only knows that techniques are boundless; how could he know there is even greater subtlety within the mysteries? Therefore, I have specially come to meet with him. I will make sure he cannot use the Golden Crocodile Shears anymore; naturally, he will cease his actions." On that day, the Daoist sat in silence without speaking.

次日，赵公明乘虎，篷前大呼曰：“燃灯，你既有无穷妙道，如何昨日逃回？可速来早决雌虽！”哪吒报上篷来。陆压曰：“贫道自去。”道人下得篷来，迳至军前。赵公明忽见一矮道人，带鱼尾冠，大红袍，异相长须，作歌而来，歌曰： “烟霞深处访玄真，坐向沙头洗幻尘。七情六欲消磨尽，把功名付水流，任逍遥，自在闲身。寻野叟同垂钓，觅骚人共赋吟。乐醄醄别是乾坤。”

The next day, Zhao Gongming rode a tiger and shouted before the boat: "Ran Deng, if you indeed have boundless wondrous Dao, why did you flee back yesterday? Come quickly to decide who is superior!" Nezha reported onto the boat. Lu Ya said, "I will go myself." The Daoist stepped off the boat and went straight to the front of the army. Zhao Gongming suddenly saw a short Daoist wearing a fish-tail crown, in a bright red robe, with an unusual appearance and long beard, singing as he came. The song said: "In the depths of mist and clouds I seek the true mysteries; sitting by the sandbank to wash away illusory dust. Seven emotions and six desires are completely worn away; I entrust fame and fortune to the flowing water, enjoying carefree leisure at my own will. Seeking old men in the wild for fishing together, searching for literati to share poetry and songs with. "Such joy is a different universe altogether."

赵公明认不得，问曰：“来的道者何人？”陆压曰：“吾有名，是你也不认得我。我也非仙，也非圣，你听我道来。歌曰： 性似浮云意似风，飘流四海不定踪。或在东洋观皓月，或临南海又乘龙。三山虎豹俱骑尽，五岳青鸾足下从。不富贵，不簪缨，玉虚宫里亦无名。玄都观内桃子树，自酌三杯任我行。喜将棋局邀玄友，闷坐山岩听鹿鸣。闲吟诗句惊天地，静里瑶琴乐性情。不识高名空费力，吾今到此绝公明。”

Zhao Gongming did not recognize him and asked, "Who is this Daoist who has come?" Lu Ya said, "I have a name; it's just that you do not recognize me. "I am neither an immortal nor a sage. Listen carefully as I tell you." The song said: "My nature is like drifting clouds, my will like the wind; I drift through the Four Seas without a fixed trace. Sometimes I watch the bright moon in the East Sea, sometimes I ride a dragon by the South Sea once more. I have ridden all tigers and leopards of the Three Mountains; green 鸾 s from the Five Great Mountains follow beneath my feet. No wealth or honor, no official hat or ribbon; I have no name even in Yuxu Palace. In the peach tree of Xuandu Temple, I drink three cups by myself and walk freely as I please. Happy to invite Daoist friends for a game of chess; when bored, sit on the mountain cliff listening to deer calls. Idly reciting poetry that startles heaven and earth; in stillness, playing the jade zither for joy of nature. "Struggling in vain without knowing my lofty name; I have now come here to end Gongming."

贫道乃西昆仑散人陆压是也。”赵公明大怒：“好妖道！焉敢如此出口伤人，欺吾太甚！”催虎提鞭来取。陆压持剑赴面交还。未及三五合，公明将金蛟剪祭在空中。陆压观之，大呼曰：“来的好！”化一道长虹而去。公明见走了陆压，怒气不息，又见芦篷上燃灯等昂然端坐，公明切齿而回。且说陆压逃归，此非是会公明战，实看公明形容，今日观之罢了。 千年道行随流水，绝在钉头七箭书。

"I am the recluse Lu Ya from western Kunlun." Zhao Gongming was greatly enraged: "What a demonic Daoist! How dare you speak so disrespectfully and hurt others? You have wronged me too much!" He urged his tiger forward, raised the whip to attack. Lu Ya held up a sword and met him face-to-face in battle. Before three or five exchanges, Gongming raised the Golden Crocodile Shears into the air. Lu Ya observed it and shouted joyfully, "Come on well!" He transformed into a long rainbow and vanished. Zhao Gongming, seeing Lu Ya had escaped, remained furious. He also saw Ran Deng and others sitting calmly on the boat; Gongming bit his teeth in anger and returned. Let us now speak of Lu Ya fleeing back; this was not a battle with Gongming, but rather an observation of his appearance. Today's viewing is enough. A thousand years of cultivation flows away like water; it will be ended by the Nailhead Seven-Arrow Scripture.

且说陆压回篷，与诸道友相见。燃灯问：“会公明一事如何？”陆压曰：“衲子自有处治，此事请子牙公自行。”子牙欠身。陆压揭开花篮，取出一幅书，书写明白，上有符印口诀，“……依此而用，可往岐山立一营；营内筑一台。扎一草人；人身上书‘赵公明’三字，头上一盏灯，足下一盏灯。自步罡斗，书符结印焚化，一日三次拜礼，至二十一日之时，贫道自来午时助你，公明自然绝也。”

Let us now speak about Lu Ya returning to the boat and meeting with his fellow Daoist friends. Ran Deng asked, "How did your encounter with Gongming go?" Lu Ya said, "I have my own way to deal with this matter. Please let Master Jiang Ziya handle it himself." Jiang Ziya bowed slightly. Lu Ya opened the wicker basket, took out a scroll of writing clearly inscribed with talismans and incantations. It said, "......use this as instructed, and you may establish a camp at Qishan; build a platform within the camp. Make a straw dummy; Write the three characters 'Zhao Gongming' on the body of the dummy, place one lamp above its head and another beneath its feet. "Walk the constellations yourself, write talismans, form seals and burn them. Bow in ritual three times a day; on the twenty-first day at noon, I will personally come to assist you, and Gongming will naturally be destroyed."

子牙领命，前往岐山，暗出三千人马，又令南宫适、武吉前去安置。子牙后随军至岐山，南宫适筑起将台，安排停当，扎一草人，依方制度。子牙披发仗剑，脚步罡斗，书符结印，连拜三五日，把赵公明只拜得心如火发，意似油煎，走投无路，帐前走到帐后，抓耳挠腮。闻太师见公明如此不安，心中甚是不乐，亦无心理论军情。且说“烈焰阵”主白天君进营来，见闻太师，曰：“赵道兄这等无情无绪，恍惚不安，不如且留在营中，吾将‘烈焰阵’去会阐教门人。”闻太师欲阻白天君，白天君大呼曰：“十阵之内无一阵成功，如今若坐视不理，何日成功！”遂不听太师之言，转身出营，走入‘烈焰阵’内。钟声响处，白天君乘鹿大呼于篷下。燃灯同众道人下篷排班，方才出来，未曾站定，只见白天君大叫：“玉虚教下，谁来会吾此阵？”燃灯顾左右，无一人答应。陆压在傍问曰：“此阵何名？”燃灯曰：“此是‘烈焰阵’。”陆压笑曰：“吾去会他一番。”道人笑谈作歌，歌曰： “烟霞深处运元功，睡醒茅芦日已红。翻身跳出尘埃境，肯把功名付转篷。受用些明月清风。人世间，逃名士；云水中，自在翁；跨青鸾游遍山峰。”

Jiang Ziya accepted the order and went to Qishan, secretly sending out 3000 troops. He also ordered Nan Gong Shi and Wu Ji to go ahead and set things up. Jiang Ziya followed the troops to Qishan later, where Nan Gong Shi built a general's platform and made all arrangements ready. They made a straw dummy according to the instructions given. Jiang Ziya let his hair down and held a sword, stepping through the constellations, writing talismans and forming seals. He continued bowing for three to five days, causing Zhao Gongming's heart to burn like fire and his mind to feel as if fried in oil. With nowhere to turn, he walked from front of the tent to back, scratching his ears and pulling at his beard in frustration. Lord Wenshu saw Gongming so unsettled and was deeply unhappy himself, having no heart to discuss military affairs either. Let us now speak of Lord Tianjun, the master of the "Blazing Flame Formation," who came into camp and saw Lord Wenshu. He said, "Brother Zhao Dao is so emotionless and unsettled, appearing confused and uneasy. It would be better to keep him in the camp for a while; I will go with the 'Blazing Flame Formation' to meet the disciples of the Chanchiao Sect." Lord Wenshu wanted to stop Lord Tianjun, but Lord Tianjun shouted loudly, "Not a single formation among the ten has succeeded. If we now sit idly by and do nothing, when will success ever come!" Without heeding Lord Wenshu's words, he turned around and left the camp, entering into the "Blazing Flame Formation." As the bell rang out, Lord Tianjun rode a deer and shouted loudly beneath the boat. Ran Deng and the group of Daoist practitioners descended from the boat in formation. Just as they had barely emerged and were not yet standing firm, they heard Lord Tianjun shouting loudly: "Who among the Yuxu Sect will come to challenge my formation?" Ran Deng looked left and right but saw not a single person respond. Lu Ya, standing nearby, asked, "What is the name of this formation?" Ran Deng said, "This is the 'Blazing Flame Formation.'" Lu Ya smiled and said, "I will go to meet with him for a while." The Daoist sang and spoke in laughter, the song said: "In the depths of misty clouds I cultivate my fundamental power; when I wake from sleep, the day has already turned red at the thatched hut. I turn over and leap out of the mundane world; how could I care to entrust fame or fortune to a drifting boat? Enjoying some bright moonlight and fresh breezes. In this world of mortals, a recluse who flees fame; in clouds and water, an old man at leisure; riding a green 鸾 to tour all the mountain peaks."

陆压歌罢。白天君曰：“尔是何人？”陆压曰：“你既设此阵，阵内必有玄妙处。我贫道乃是陆压，特来会你。”天君大怒，仗剑来取。陆压用剑相还。未及数合，白天君望阵内便走。陆压不听钟声，随即赶来，白天君下鹿，上台，将三首红旛招展。陆压进阵，见空中火，地下火，三昧火，三火将陆压围裹居中。他不知陆压乃火内之珍，离地之精，三昧之灵。三火攒绕，共在一家，焉能坏得此人。陆压被三火烧有两个时辰，在火内作歌，歌曰： “燧人曾炼火中阴，三昧攒来用意深。烈焰空烧吾秘授，何劳白礼费其心？”

After finishing his song, Lu Ya. Lord Tianjun asked, "Who are you?" Lu Ya said, "Since you have set up this formation, there must be some profound mysteries within it. "I, the poor Daoist Lu Ya, have come especially to meet with you." Lord Tianjun became furious and drew his sword to attack. Lu Ya used his sword to counterattack. Before a few exchanges could take place, Lord Tianjun turned and ran into the formation. Lu Ya did not heed the bell's sound, immediately pursuing him; Lord Tianjun dismounted from his deer, ascended the platform, and waved a trinity-headed crimson banner. Lu Ya entered the formation and saw fire in the air, fire on the ground, and Sanwei fire; these three fires surrounded him at the center. He did not know that Lu Ya was a treasure within fire, an essence apart from earth, and a spirit of Sanwei flame. The three fires gathered around him, all united in one; how could they possibly harm this person? Lu Ya was burned by the three fires for two shichen, singing a song within the flames. The song said: "Suiren once refined fire's yin essence; the gathering of Sanwei fire is deeply intentional." "Fiery flames in vain burn my secret teachings; why trouble yourself with White Li's efforts and thoughts?"

白天君听得此言，著心看火内，见陆压精神百倍，手中托著一个葫芦。葫芦内有一线毫光，高三丈有馀；上边现出一物，长有七寸，有眉有目；眼中两道白光反罩将下来，钉住了白天君泥丸宫。白天君不觉昏迷，莫知左右。陆压在火内一躬：“请宝贝转身！”那宝物在白光头上一转，白礼首级早已落下尘埃。──一道灵魂往封神台上去了。陆压收了葫芦，破了“烈焰阵”，方出阵时，只见后面大呼曰：“陆压休走！吾来也！”“落魂阵”主姚天君跨鹿持鐧，面如黄金，海下红髯，巨口獠牙，声如霹雳，如飞电而至。燃灯命子牙曰：“你去唤方相破‘落魂阵’走一遭。”子牙急令方相：“你去破‘落魂阵’，其功不小。”方相应声而出，提方天画戟，飞步出阵曰：“那道人，吾奉将令，特来破你‘落魂阵”！”更不答语，一戟就刺。方相身长力大。姚天君招架不住，掩一鐧，望阵内便走。方相耳闻鼓声，随后追来。赶进“落魂阵”内，见姚天君已上板台，把黑砂一把洒将下来。可怜方相那知其中奥妙，大叫一声，顷刻而绝。──一道灵魂往封神台去了。姚天君复上鹿出阵。大叫曰：“燃灯道人，你乃名士，为何把一俗子凡夫枉受杀戮？你们可著道德清高之士来会吾此阵。”燃灯命赤精子：“你当去矣。”赤精子领命，提宝剑作歌而来。歌曰： “何幸今为物外人，都因夙世脱凡尘。了知生死无差别，开了天门妙莫论。 事事事通非事事，神神神彻不神神。目前总是常生理，海角天涯都是春。”

Lord Tianjun, upon hearing these words, focused his attention on the fire within and saw Lu Ya with a hundredfold spirit, holding a gourd in his hand. Inside the gourd was a thread of radiant light, more than three zhang tall; atop it appeared an object about seven cun long, with eyebrows and eyes; From its eyes came two beams of white light that descended in reverse, pinning Lord Tianjun's Niwan Palace. Lord Tianjun lost consciousness without realizing it and could no longer tell left from right. Lu Ya, within the fire, bowed once: "Please, treasure, turn around!" That treasure made one turn above the white light, and Lord Tianjun's head had already fallen to the dust. ——A soul passed on toward the Fengshen Platform. Lu Ya retracted his gourd, broke the "Blazing Flame Formation," and as he was just leaving the formation, he heard a loud cry from behind: "Lu Ya, do not run away!" I am coming!" Lord Yaotianjun, the master of the "Soul-Falling Formation," rode a deer and held a gavel; his face was golden yellow, with red beard below the jaw, large mouth and fangs, his voice like thunder, arriving as swiftly as lightning. Randelin ordered Ziyi: "You go and summon Fangxiang to break the 'Soul-Falling Formation' for a round." Ziyi quickly ordered Fangxiang: "You go and break the 'Soul-Falling Array'; your merit will be great." Fangxiang responded and stepped out, holding the Fangtian Huajǐ spear, and strode swiftly from the formation, saying: "That Daoist, I have been specially sent by command to break your 'Soul-Falling Formation!'" Without answering a word, he immediately thrust his spear. Fangxiang was tall and strong. Lord Yaotianjun could not hold out against the attack, parried with his gavel once, then turned and ran into the array. Fangxiang heard the drumming behind him and pursued immediately. He rushed into the "Soul-Falling Formation" and saw Lord Yaotianjun already on a wooden platform, casting down a handful of black sand. Pitifully, Fangxiang did not know the mysteries within; he let out a loud cry and died in an instant. ——A soul passed on to the Fengshen Platform. Lord Yaotianjun remounted his deer and exited the formation again. He shouted loudly, "Daoist Randelin, you are a man of renown; why have you caused an ordinary mortal to suffer unjust killing? You should send forth men of virtue and lofty morality to meet me in this formation." Randelin ordered Chizigen: "You must go now." Chizigen accepted the order, took up his treasure sword and came singing a song. The song said: "How fortunate I am to be a man beyond worldly things, all because in past lives I have escaped mundane dust. I understand that birth and death are without distinction; the opening of Heaven's Gate is wondrous beyond discussion. "To be thoroughly knowledgeable in all matters is not to know them all; to be completely divine among the gods is not truly divine. What appears before my eyes is always the common way of life; no matter where I go, springtime fills every corner."

赤精子歌罢，曰：“姚斌，你前番将姜子牙魂魄拜来，吾二次进你阵中，虽然救出子牙魂魄，今日你又伤方相，殊为可恨。”姚天君曰：“太极图玄妙也只如此，未免落在吾囊中之物。你玉虚门下神通总高不妙。”赤精子曰：“此是天意，该是如此。你今逢绝地，性命难逃，悔之无及。”姚天君大怒，执鐧就打。赤精子口称：“善哉！”招架闪躲，未及数合，姚斌便进“落魂阵”去了。赤精子闻后面钟声，随进阵中，这一次乃三次了，岂不知阵中利害，赤精子将顶上用庆云一朵现出，先护其身；将八卦紫寿仙衣明现其身；光华显耀，使黑砂不粘其身，自然安妥。姚天君上台，见赤精子进阵，忙将一斗黑砂往下一泼。赤精子上有庆云，下有仙衣，黑砂不能侵犯。姚天君大怒，见此术不应，随欲下台，复来战争。不妨赤精子暗将阴阳镜望姚斌劈面一愰。姚天君便撞下台来。赤精子对东昆仑打稽首曰：“弟子开了杀戒！”提剑取了首级。──姚斌一道灵魂往封神台去了。赤精子破了“落魂阵”，取回太极图，送还玄都洞。

After finishing his song, Chizigen said: "Yao Bin, in your previous attempt you summoned the soul of Jiang Ziya. I entered your formation a second time; although I managed to rescue Ziya's soul, today you have again injured Fangxiang — this is most regrettable." Lord Yaotianjun said: "The mysteries of the Taijitu are no more than this; they cannot help but fall into my possession. Your divine powers, though lofty, are ultimately not wondrous from beneath the Jade Virtual Hall." Chizigen said: "This is Heaven's will; it should be this way. You now face a dead end, and your life cannot escape — regret comes too late." Lord Yaotianjun became furious and raised his gavel to strike. Chizigen exclaimed, "Excellent!" He parried and dodged, but before a few exchanges could occur, Lord Yaobin retreated into the "Soul-Falling Formation." Chizigen, hearing the bell ringing from behind, followed into the formation. This was now his third time entering — how could he not know of its dangers? Chizigen summoned a single cloud of celebration above his head to appear first, protecting himself; he clearly displayed the Bagua Zi Shou Xian Yi robe on his body; The radiant light shone brilliantly, preventing the black sand from adhering to him and ensuring his safety. Lord Yaotianjun ascended the platform; seeing Chizigen enter the formation, he hurriedly poured down a bucket of black sand. Chizigen had the celebration cloud above and the immortal robe below; the black sand could not touch him. Lord Yaotianjun was furious, seeing that this technique had failed. He immediately descended the platform and returned to battle. Without hesitation, Chizigen secretly brandished his Yin-Yang mirror toward Lord Yaobin's face in a flash. Lord Yaotianjun immediately fell from the platform. Chizigen bowed deeply toward the East Kunlun and said, "Disciple has broken the precept of non-violence!" He raised his sword and severed Lord Yaotianjun's head. ——A soul of Yao Bin passed on to the Fengshen Tai. Chizigen broke the "Soul-Falling Formation," retrieved the Taijitu, and returned it to Xuandu Dong.

且言闻太师因赵公明如此，心下不乐，懒理军情，不知二阵主又失了机。太师闻报，破了两阵，只急得三尸神暴跳，七窍内生烟，顿足叹曰：“不期今日吾累诸友遭此灾厄！”忙请二阵主张、王两位天君。太师泣而言曰：“不幸奉命征讨，累诸位道兄受此无辜之灾。吾受国恩，理当如此；众道友却是为何遭此惨毒，使闻仲心中如何得安！”又见赵公明昏乱，不知军务，只是睡卧，尝闻鼻息之声。古云‘神仙不寝’，乃是清净六根，如何今日六七日只是昏睡！且不说汤营乱纷纷计议不一。且说子牙拜掉了赵公明元神散而不归，──但神仙以元神为主，游八极，任逍遥，今一旦被子牙拜去，不觉昏沉，只是要睡。闻太师心下甚是著忙，自思：“赵道兄为何只是睡而不醒，必有凶兆！”闻太师愈觉郁郁不乐。且说子牙在岐山拜了半月，赵公明越觉昏沉，睡而不醒人事。太师入内帐，见公明鼻息如雷，用手推而问曰：“道兄，你乃仙体，为何只是酣睡？”公明答曰：“我并不曾睡。”二阵主见公明颠倒，谓太师曰：“闻兄，据我等观赵道兄光景，不是好事，想有人暗算他的，取金钱一卦，便知何故。”闻太师曰：“此言有理。”便忙排香案，亲自拈香，搜求八卦。闻太师大惊曰：“术士陆压将钉头七箭书，在西岐山要射杀赵道兄，这事如何处？”王天君曰：“既是陆压如此，吾辈须往西岐山，抢了他的书来，方能解得此厄。”太师曰：“不可。他既有此意，必有准备，只可暗行，不可明取。若是明取，反为不利。”闻太师入后营，见赵公明，曰：“道兄，你有何说？”公明曰：“闻兄，你有何说？”太师曰：“原来术士陆压将钉头七箭书射你。”公明闻得此言，大惊曰：“道兄，我为你下山，你当如何解救我？”闻太师这一会神魂飘荡，心乱如麻，一时间走头无路。张天君曰：“不必闻兄著急，今晚命陈九公、姚少司二人借土遁暗往岐山，抢了此书来，大事方才可定。”太师大喜。正是： 天意已归真命主，何劳太师暗安排。

Meanwhile, the Grand Master, upon hearing of Zhao Gongming's actions, felt displeased and neglected to attend to military affairs, unaware that both formation masters had already lost their chance. Upon hearing the report that two formations had been broken, the Grand Master was so agitated that his Three Corpse spirits leapt about wildly and smoke arose from his seven orifices. He stamped his foot in lamentation and said: "I did not expect today to bring such calamity upon my friends!" He hurriedly summoned the two formation masters, Lords Zhang and Wang. The Grand Master wept as he spoke: "Alas, I was unfortunate to have been ordered on this campaign and caused my fellow Daoist brothers to suffer such an unjust calamity. I have received the nation's grace; it is only natural that I should bear this burden; yet how could my fellow Daoists suffer such cruelty, and how can Zhong Wen feel at peace in his heart!" He also saw Zhao Gongming confused and disoriented, neglecting military affairs entirely, merely sleeping and lying down, occasionally heard only the sound of his breathing. Ancient sayings state that "immortals do not sleep," for they purify their six senses; how then could he now be sleeping continuously for six or seven days! Leaving aside the chaos and varied discussions within the Shang camp, let us speak of how Ziyi had summoned away Zhao Gongming's original spirit, which dispersed and did not return — for immortals take their original spirits as the core, traveling through all directions, enjoying freedom; now that it was suddenly taken by Ziyi, he felt drowsy without realizing it, desiring only to sleep. Grand Master Wen was greatly troubled in his mind and thought to himself: "Why does Daoist Brother Zhao only sleep without waking? There must be an ill omen!" Grand Master Wen felt increasingly depressed and unhappy. Meanwhile, Ziyi had been performing the ritual on Mount Qi for half a month; Zhao Gongming became increasingly drowsy and slept without waking to worldly affairs. Grand Master Wen entered the inner tent and saw Zhao Gongming's breathing as loud as thunder. He pushed him with his hand and asked, "Daoist Brother, you are an immortal body; why do you only sleep so deeply?" Gongming replied: "I have not been sleeping at all." The two formation masters, seeing Gongming's disarray, said to Grand Master Wen: "Brother Wen, according to our observation of Daoist Brother Zhao's condition, it is not a good sign. I suspect someone has secretly plotted against him; let us cast a divination with coins and we will know the reason." Grand Master Wen said: "This is sound reasoning." He immediately arranged an incense altar, personally lit the incense, and sought answers through the Bagua. Grand Master Wen was greatly alarmed and said: "The Daoist Lu Ya has inscribed the Dingtou Qi Jian spell, intending to shoot and kill Daoist Brother Zhao from Mount Xiqi. How can we deal with this matter?" Lord Wang Tianjun said: "Since it is Lu Ya who has done this, we must go to Mount Xiqi and seize the spell from him; only then can we resolve this calamity." Grand Master Wen said: "No, that will not do. If he has such intent, he must be prepared; we can only act secretly and must not attempt to take it openly." Otherwise, if we try to obtain it openly, it will work against us." Grand Master Wen went into the rear camp and saw Zhao Gongming. He said: "Daoist Brother, what do you have to say?" Gongming replied: "Brother Wen, what is it that you wish to say?" Grand Master Wen said: "Originally, the sorcerer Lu Ya inscribed a spell called 'Dingtou Qi Jian' to shoot at you." Upon hearing this, Gongming was greatly startled and said: "Daoist Brother, I came down the mountain for you; how will you save me?" At this moment, Grand Master Wen's spirit and soul were in turmoil, his heart as tangled as hemp; for a time, he had no way forward. Zhang Tianjun said: "There is no need for Brother Wen to be in such a hurry. Tonight, I will order Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosi to secretly go to Mount Qi using earth 遁 and seize the book; only then can this matter be resolved." Grand Master Wen was greatly pleased. Indeed: Heaven's will has already returned to the true sovereign; what need is there for Grand Master to make secret arrangements?

话说陈九公二位徒弟去抢箭书。不表。

Now, let us speak of how the two disciples of Chen Jiugong went to seize the arrow book. We will not elaborate on that for now.

且说燃灯与众门人静坐，各运元神。陆压忽然心血来潮，道人不语，搯指一算，早解其意。陆压曰：“众位道兄，闻仲已察出原由，今著他二门人去岐山，抢此箭书。箭书抢去，吾等无生。快遣能士报知子牙，须加防备，方保无虞。”燃灯随遣杨戬、哪吒二人：“速往岐山去报子牙。”哪吒登风火轮先行；杨戬在后。风火轮去而且快，杨戬的马慢便迟。且说闻太师著赵公明二位徒弟陈九公、姚少司去岐山，抢钉头七箭书。二人领命，速往岐山来。时已是二更，二人驾著土遁，在空中果见子牙披发仗剑，步罡踏斗于台前，书符念咒而发遣，正一拜下去，早被二人往下一坐，抓了箭书，似风云而去。子牙听见响，急抬头看时，案上早不见了箭书。子牙不知何故，自己沉吟，正忧虑之间，忽见哪吒来至。南宫适报入中军。子牙急令进来。问其原故。哪吒曰：“奉陆压道者命，说有闻太师遣人来抢箭书，此书若是抢去，一概无生。今著弟子来报，令师叔预先防御。”子牙听罢，大惊曰：“方才吾正行法术，只见一声响，便不见了箭书，原来如此。你快去抢回来！”哪吒领命，出得营来，登风火轮便起，来赶此书。不表。且说杨戬马徐徐行至，未及数里，只见一阵风来，甚是古怪。怎见得好风： 嗗如同虎吼，滑喇喇猛兽咆号。扬尘播土逞英豪，搅海翻江华岳倒。 损林木如同劈砍，响时节花草齐凋。催云卷雾岂相饶，无影无形真个巧。

Let us instead speak of Rendeng and his disciples, who sat in quiet meditation, each cultivating their original spirits. Suddenly, Lu Ya felt a surge of intuition; without speaking, the Daoist pinched his fingers and calculated, quickly understanding its meaning. Lu Ya said: "Dear Daoist brothers, Wen Zhong has already discovered the cause. Now he is sending his two disciples to Mount Qi to seize this arrow book." If they manage to seize the arrow book, we shall have no chance of survival. Quickly send a capable person to inform Ziyi; he must be on guard so that we may remain safe." Rendeng immediately dispatched Yang Jian and Nezha, saying: "Hurry to Mount Qi and report to Ziyi." Nezha mounted his Fenghuo Lun and went ahead first; Yang Jian followed behind. The Fenghuo Lun was fast and swift, while Yang Jian's horse was slow and thus delayed. Let us now speak of Grand Master Wen, who sent two disciples of Zhao Gongming—Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosi—to Mount Qi to seize the Dingtou Qi Jian spell. The two disciples accepted their orders and hurriedly went toward Mount Qi. It was already the second geng (around 10 PM to midnight). The two men rode their earth 遁 and, while flying in the air, indeed saw Ziyi with his hair loose and holding a sword, walking in accordance with the constellations on the platform before him, inscribing talismans and chanting incantations. Just as he was about to perform a bow, the two men suddenly descended from above, seized the arrow book, and vanished like wind and clouds. Ziyi heard a noise and quickly looked up, only to find that the arrow book was already gone from his desk. Ziyi did not know what had happened and pondered in silence, just as he was worried, Nezha suddenly arrived. Nangong Shi reported into the central camp. Ziyi quickly ordered him to come in. He asked about the cause of the matter. Nezha said: "I was ordered by Daoist Lu Ya, who said that Grand Master Wen had sent people to seize the arrow book; if they manage to take it, there will be no hope of survival at all." Now I have come to report this and ask Uncle Master to prepare a defense in advance." After hearing this, Ziyi was greatly startled and said: "Just now I was performing a magical ritual when suddenly there was a noise, and the arrow book vanished. So that is what happened." You must quickly go and retrieve it!" Nezha accepted the order, left the camp, mounted his Fenghuo Lun, and took off immediately to chase after the book. We will not elaborate on this for now. Let us instead speak of Yang Jian, whose horse slowly made its way forward; not yet having traveled several li, he suddenly saw a gust of wind come from nowhere, which was most peculiar. How was this good wind described: It roared like a tiger's growl; it howled like fierce beasts in rage. Dust and earth were raised as it displayed its might, stirring the seas and overturning rivers and mountains. It shattered trees as if they had been chopped down; at the moment of its roar, flowers and grass withered together. It drove clouds and rolled mist without mercy—truly skillful in being invisible and formless.

杨戬见其风来得异怪，想必是抢了箭书来。杨戬下马，忙将土草抓一把，望空中一洒，喝一声：“疾！”坐在一边。──正是先天秘术，道妙无穷，保真命之主，而随时响应。且说陈九公、姚少司二人抢了书来大喜，见前面是老营，落下土遁来。见邓忠巡外营，忙然报入。二人进营，见闻太师在中军帐坐定。二人上前回话，太师问曰：“你等抢书一事如何？”二人回曰：“奉命去抢书，姜子牙正行法术，等他拜下去，被弟子坐遁，将书抢回。”太师大喜，问二人：“将书拿上来。”二人将书献上。太师接书一看，放于袖内，便曰：“你们后边去回复你师父。”二人转身往后营正走，只听得脑后一声雷响，急回头不见大营，二人站在空地之上。二人如痴如醉。正疑之间，见一人白马长枪，大呼曰：“还吾书来！”陈九公、姚少司大怒，四口剑来取。杨戬枪大蟒一般。夤夜交兵，只杀得天惨地昏，枪剑之声，不能断绝。正战之际，只见空中风火轮响，哪吒听得兵器交加，落下轮来，摇枪来战。陈九公、姚少司那里是杨戬敌手，况又有接战之人。哪吒奋勇，一枪把姚少司刺死；杨戬把陈九公胁下一枪，──二人灵魂俱往封神台去了。杨戬问哪吒曰：“岐山一事如何？”哪吒曰：“师叔已被抢了书去，著吾来赶。”杨戬曰：“方才见二人驾土遁，风声古怪，吾想必是抢了书来；吾随设一谋，仗武王洪福，把书诓设过来；又得道兄协助，可喜二人俱死。”杨戬与哪吒复往岐山，来见子牙。二人行至岐山，天色已明。有武吉报入营中。子牙正纳闷时，只见来报：“杨戬、哪吒来见。”子牙命入中军，间其抢书一节，杨戬把诓设一事，说与子牙。子牙奖谕杨戬曰：“智勇双全，奇功万古！”又谕哪吒：“协助英雄，赤心辅国。”榻戬将书献与子牙，二人回芦篷。不表。且说子牙日夜用意堤防，惊心提胆，又恐来抢。

Yang Jian saw that the wind was strange and unusual, and guessed it must be related to the theft of the arrow book. Yang Jian dismounted his horse, quickly grabbed a handful of soil and grass, sprinkled it into the air, and shouted: "Quickly!" He sat down on one side. ——This was indeed a secret technique of the Primordial Heaven, profound in its Daoist mystery, protecting the true sovereign and responding at any moment. Let us now speak of Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaodi, who were overjoyed after seizing the book. Seeing that ahead was the main camp, they descended from their earth 遁. They saw Deng Zhong patrolling the outer camp and hurriedly reported in. The two men entered the camp and found Grand Master Wen already seated in his central command tent. They stepped forward to report, and Grand Master Wen asked: "How did the matter of seizing the book go for you two?" The two replied: "As ordered, we went to seize the book. Just as Jiang Ziyi was performing a ritual, when he knelt down in bowing, our disciples descended from their 遁 and seized the book back." Grand Master Wen was greatly delighted. He asked the two: "Bring up the book." The two men presented the book to him. Grand Master Wen took the book, looked at it briefly, put it into his sleeve, and said: "You two go back and report to your master." As the two turned around and walked toward the rear camp, they suddenly heard a thunderous roar from behind. They quickly looked back but saw no sign of the main camp; instead, they found themselves standing on an empty field. The two were dazed and confused. lando Suddenly, as they hesitated in confusion, a man on white horse with a long spear shouted: "Return my book!" Chen Jiugong and Yaoshaodi were greatly enraged and attacked him with four swords. Yang Jian's spear was like a giant python. In the dead of night, they engaged in fierce battle, killing so fiercely that the sky turned dark and the earth dim. The sounds of spears and swords clashed without ceasing. Just as the battle raged, suddenly a Fenghuo Lun came roaring from above. Nezha heard the clash of weapons and descended from his wheel, brandishing his spear to join the fight. Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaoosi were no match for Yang Jian, let alone with Nezha now joining the fray. Nezha fought bravely and pierced Yao Shaodi to death with a single spear thrust; Yang Jian drove his spear into the side of Chen Jiugong—thus, both men's souls were sent to the Fengshen Tai. Yang Jian asked Nezha: "What happened with the matter at Mount Qi?" Nezha replied: "My Uncle Master's book has already been stolen, and I was sent to chase it." Yang Jian said: "Earlier, I saw the two men riding their earth 遁 with strange and eerie winds; I must have been them who stole the book; I then devised a plan, relying on King Wu's great fortune, and tricked it back to me; And with the help of my Daoist brother, I am delighted that both are now dead." Yang Jian and Nezha returned to Mount Qi together to see Ziyi. When the two arrived at Mount Qi, it was already daylight. Wu Ji reported into the camp. Just as Ziyi was pondering in confusion, he received a report: "Yang Jian and Nezha have arrived to see you." Ziyi ordered them into the central command and inquired about their seizing of the book. Yang Jian explained to Ziyi how he had tricked it back. Ziyi praised Yang Jian, saying: "You are both wise and brave; your extraordinary feat will be remembered through the ages!" He also addressed Nezha: "Assisting a hero with sincerity, you have devotedly supported the state." Yang Jian presented the book to Ziyi, and the two returned to their hut. We will not elaborate on this further for now. Let us instead speak of Ziyi, who day and night remained vigilant with utmost caution, his heart filled with anxiety and fear that the book might be taken again.

且说闻太师等抢书回来报喜，等得第二日巳时，不见二人回来；又令辛环去打听消息。少时辛环来报：“启太师：陈九公、姚少司不知何故，死在中途。”太师拍案大叫曰：“二人已死，其书必不能返！”捶胸跌足，大哭于中军。只见二阵主进营，来见太师，见如此悲痛，忙问其故。太师把前事说了一遍，二天君不语，同进后营，来见赵公明。公明鼻息之声如雷。三位来至榻前，太师垂泪叫曰：“赵道兄，”公明睁目见闻太师来至，就问抢书一事。太师实对公明说曰：“陈九公、姚少司俱死。”赵公明将身坐起，二目圆睁，大呼曰：“罢了！悔吾早不听吾妹之言，果有丧身之祸！”闻太师只吓得浑身汗出，无计可施。公明叹曰：“想吾在天皇时得道，修成玉肌仙体，岂知今日遭殃，反被陆压而死。真是可怜！闻兄，料吾不能再生，今追悔无及！但我死之后，你将金蛟剪连吾袍服包住，用丝绦缚定，我死，必定云霄诸妹看吾之尸骸。你把金蛟剪连袍服递与他。吾三位妹妹见吾袍服，如见亲兄。”道罢，泪流满面，猛然一声大叫曰：“云霄妹子！悔不用你之言，致有今日之祸！”言罢，不觉哽咽，不能言语。闻太师见赵公明这等苦切，心如刀绞，只气得怒发冲冠，钢牙锉碎。当有“红水阵”主王变见如此伤心，忙出老营，将“红水阵”排开，迳至篷下，大呼曰：“玉虚门下谁来会吾‘红水阵也’也？”哪吒、杨戬才在篷上，回燃灯、陆压的话，又听得“红水阵”开了，燃灯只得领班下篷，众弟子分开左右。只见王天君乘鹿而来。好凶恶！怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 一字青纱头上盖，腹内玄机无比赛。“红水阵”内显其能，修炼惹下诛身债。

Meanwhile, Grand Master Wen was waiting for Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaosī to return with the book as a joyous report. By the second day at the Si hour (9–11 AM), however, they had still not returned; he then ordered Xin Huan to go and inquire about their whereabouts. After a short while, Xin Huan returned with news: "Reporting to Grand Master: Chen Jiugong and Yao Shaoshi for some unknown reason died on the way." Grand Master Wen slammed his desk in a loud cry, saying: "The two are already dead; their book must not have returned!" He beat his chest and stamped his feet, wailing loudly in the central command. Just then, two commanders entered the camp to see Grand Master Wen. Seeing him so grief-stricken, they hurriedly asked what had happened. Grand Master Wen recounted the entire incident once more. The two Tianjun remained silent and together went to the rear camp to see Zhao Gongming. Zhao Gongming's breathing was as loud as thunder. The three of them approached the bedside, and Grand Master Wen wept as he called out: "Daoist Brother Zhao." Upon opening his eyes, Zhao Gongming saw Grand Master Wen arrive and immediately asked about the matter of seizing the book. Grand Master Wen truthfully told Zhao Gongming: "Chen Jiugong and Yao Saosi are both dead." Zhao Gongming sat up, his eyes wide open, and cried out: "It is over! I regret not heeding my sister's words earlier; as it turns out, there was indeed a calamity that cost me my life!" Grand Master Wen was so frightened that he broke into cold sweat and had no idea what to do. Zhao Gongming sighed and said: "I once attained the Dao during my time in Tianhuang, cultivating a jade-like immortal body. Who could have known that today I would suffer misfortune and be killed by Lu Ya instead." How pitiful! Brother Wen, I know that I cannot live again; now it is too late to regret. But after my death, you must wrap the Golden Crocodile Shears together with my robe and clothes, tie them securely with a silk sash. When I die, it is certain that Yunxiao and my other sisters will come to see my corpse. You must hand the Golden Crocodile Shears along with his robe and clothes over to them. My three younger sisters will see my robe as if seeing their own elder brother." Having said this, he wept bitterly and suddenly cried out in a loud voice: "My dear sister Yunxiao!" I regret not following your advice, which has led to this calamity today!" After saying this, he could not help but choke up and was unable to speak. Grand Master Wen, seeing Zhao Gongming in such deep anguish, felt as if his heart were pierced by a knife. He was so enraged that his hair stood on end and he gritted his teeth until they cracked. At this moment, Wang Bian, the master of the "Red Water Formation," seeing such sorrow, hurriedly left his camp and deployed the "Red Water Formation," rushing straight to the tent and shouting loudly: "Who from the Yuxu School dares to challenge my 'Red Water Formation'?" Nezha and Yang Jian were just on the tent, replying to Rendeng and Lu Ya's words, when they heard that the "Red Water Formation" had been deployed. Rendeng had no choice but to lead them out from under the tent, with his disciples parting to either side. They saw Wang Tianjun arriving on a deer. How fierce and evil! How so? There is a poem to attest, the poem says: A single character of green gauze covers his head; the mysteries within are unparalleled. "The Red Water Formation" reveals its power, cultivation has incurred a debt of death.

话说燃灯命：“曹道友，你去破阵走一遭。”曹宝曰：“既为真命之主，安得推辞。”忙提宝剑出阵，大叫：“王变慢来！”王天君认得是曹宝散人，王变曰：“曹兄，你乃闲人，此处与你无干，为何也来受此杀戮？”曹宝曰：“察情断事，你们扶假灭真，不知天意有在，何必执拗。想赵公明不顺天时，今一旦自讨其死。十阵之间，已破八九，可见天心有数。”王天君大怒，仗剑来取。曹宝剑架忙迎。步鹿相交，未及数合，王变往阵中就走。曹宝随后跟来，赶入阵中。王天君上台，将一葫芦水往下一摔。葫芦振破，红水平地拥来。一点粘身，四肢化为血水。曹宝被水粘身，可怜！只剩道服丝绦在，四肢皮肉化为津。──一道灵魂往封神台去了。王天君复乘鹿出阵，大呼曰：“燃灯甚无道理！无辜断送闲人！玉虚门下高明者甚多，谁敢来会吾此阵？”燃灯命道德真君：“你去破此阵。”不知胜负如何，且听下回分解。

Now Rendeng ordered: "Daoyou Cao, you go and break the formation once." Cao Bao said: "Since he is the true sovereign by destiny, how can one refuse to act?" He quickly took up his sword and went out of formation, shouting loudly: "Wang Bian, hold on!" Wang Tianjun recognized him as the recluse Cao Bao. Wang Bian said: "Brother Cao, you are an idle person; this place has nothing to do with you, so why have you also come here to suffer such slaughter?" Cao Bao said: "Judging the situation, you support falsehood and destroy truth; you do not know that Heaven has its will. Why be so stubborn?" Zhao Gongming did not follow the course of Heaven, and now he has met his death by his own recklessness. Nine out of ten formations have already been broken; this shows that Heaven's will is clear." Wang Tianjun was furious and brandished his sword to attack. Cao Bao quickly raised his sword to meet the strike. As they clashed on horseback, before a few exchanges could take place, Wang Bian fled into the formation. Cao Bao followed closely behind and rushed into the formation. Wang Tianjun climbed onto a platform and hurled a gourd of water downward. The gourd shattered, and red water surged forth across the ground. If a single drop touched one's body, all four limbs would turn into bloodwater. Cao Bao was struck by the water—how pitiful! Only his Daoist robe and silk sash remained; all four limbs had turned into liquid. His soul departed in a single thread toward the Fengshen Altar. Wang Tianjun rode out of formation on his deer once more and shouted loudly: "Rendeng, how unreasonable you are!" You have senselessly sent an innocent man to his death! The Yuxu School has many capable disciples—who dares come and challenge my formation?" Rendeng ordered Daode Zhenjun: "You go and break this formation." Whether he would win or lose remains to be seen. Stay tuned for the next chapter.